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Ten Beach Road #5
One Good Thing
From the USA Today bestselling author of Sunshine Beach, a story of four women trying to rebuild more than their lives... Before you can fix it up, you might have to tear it down... Embroiled in a battle to regain control of their renovation-turned-reality TV show, Do Over, Maddie, Avery, Nikki, and Kyra find themselves holding tight to the frayed ends of their friendship and relationships. Maddie must face the realities of dating a rock star once again topping the charts and dealing with her hapless ex-husband, while Avery is caught up in family drama even as she attempts to transform a tiny cottage into a home for the newly impoverished heiress who helped bankroll their last renovation. Put on bedrest, a hugely pregnant Nikki can’t quite believe love can last, or trust in her own maternal instinct. And Kyra, who has secretly put Bella Flora at risk in an attempt to salvage Do Over, must decide whether to accept a desperately needed bail out from her son’s famous father that comes with far too many strings attached… But friendship is made for times like these, to keep each other—and their dreams—from crumbling.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2017
424 people are currently reading
3345 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Wax
22 books1,578 followersI write novels that explore friendship, self-discovery and the challenges life brings us, leavened with a touch of humor. I'm proud of all my books and perhaps best known for my "Ten Beach Road" titles including the USA Today bestsellers, Ten Beach Road and The House on Mermaid Point, and for While We Were Watching Downton Abbey.
I was born in St.Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.
It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.
Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.
I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and the time I spoke at he Margaret Mitchell House was an incredible thrill.last
After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling as she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons.
I was born in St.Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.
It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.
Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.
I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and the time I spoke at he Margaret Mitchell House was an incredible thrill.last
After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling as she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
June 8, 2025
4.5 Stars. Southern storyteller, Wendy Wax returns following Sunshine Beach #4 Top Book of 2016 with my favorite summer series ONE GOOD THING (#5 Ten Beach Road). We continue the journey with the gals, each at a crossroad both personally and professionally, with critical decisions to be made.
A tale of four women trying to rebuild more than their lives. Before you can fix it up, you might have to tear it down…
From friendships, humor, loyalty, and self-discovery — each of the characters is looking for “one good thing” to be thankful for their nightly gathering discussion. However, with everything going on and so many unsettled issues, often they find it hard to think of the good, versus the bad happenings.
This time around, Maddie, Kyra, Avery, and Niki receive a surprise visit from their former investor/sponsor and friend, Bitsy Baynard (Palm Beach matron).
Unfortunately, her husband decides to take all his wealthy wife’s money and makes off with a younger woman, leaving her penniless and homeless. Bitsy is too proud to tell the gals what is going on in her perfect life and shows up looking for a place to stay with her dog.
Bitsy assumes she can have the money back she invested in the project, which of course is still tied up. Her pampered rich lifestyle is no longer and she is forced to move into the small one bedroom Sunshine Hotel cottage, which is quite small since meant to be a vacation cottage, not for year-round living, especially someone like Bitsy.
She had an Ivy League education and has volunteered to coordinate galas and events over the years and she knew how to hire help. However, she has no marketable job skills. At her age, was going to be hard to start over with nothing.
All the characters’ lives are up in the air. They are unsure what is going on with the TV show, and at the same time, they need to sell off the last real estate design project/real estate to pay their debts and not risk losing Bella Flora.
Madeline Singer and William Hightower (age 62) are back. William is on the road with his music career and wants Madeline to come along as they continue their relationship. However, she has her own life even though it is difficult to spend time apart.
However, she worries about him out of the road without her and all the women and his addiction; and having to communicate with his new assistant. They are trying to grab any time they can to be together. (love this couple)
They all had suffered from the Malcolm Dyer’s Ponzi scheme; however, they had become stronger and bonded when they started over with their TV show, Do Over. Rebuilding their lives. However, life has its ups and down.
The ladies had recently renovated the Sunshine Hotel and hoped would be their own version of Do Over. They had quit the network publicly and they were being sued for breach of contract and claiming that the name Do Over does not belong to them.
Kyra has put up the house as collateral to have money for their projects until the cottages sold/and the show they had filmed. Daniel, her celebrity husband gave her the house to live in with her mom and dad and son, Dustin. She has kept this as a secret until things worked out. Plus he wants to turn Dustin into a Hollywood star.
Their only real hope of income was finishing and selling the documentary of their renovation of the midcentury Sunshine Hotel, featuring the reopened investigation into the mysterious death and disappearance that had taken place there. They were all under a lot of pressure, which did not make for a whole lot of creative thinking.
Nikki is pregnant with twins and is miserable with her hormones, weight gain, and the summer heat. Joe (FBI) and Nikki have moved in together in one of the new cottages at the Sunshine Hotel. However, he and his family are pressuring her to get married before the babies are born. After the problems with her brother, she is unsure of her capability of being the perfect wife and mother.
Avery is dealing with her boyfriend, Chase’s teenage son’s drinking problems, and his erratic behavior. Maddie’s ex-husband Steve is still hanging around; however, has his real estate license now, and trying to help sell the cottages.
However, the gals will need to pull together and utilize all their creative skills in order to survive the storms and surprises of life. They each must be strong and be able to always come up with a least One Good Thing!
PS This series reminds me a little of Schitt's Creek which I love, and cannot wait for Season 4! (watched every episode). Both are about having it all, losing it, and starting over in an entirely different direction. Humorous and heartwarming.
Love these ladies. This time around the gals have more challenges than usual and have not moved on to a new exciting project yet, dealing with things left over from the last book.
Even though this installment did not offer the same excitement as the others, I enjoyed it and again found Maddie to be my favorite character. However, also nice to see Bitsy realize her worth when having to do without money. A good example of the resilience of women when faced with challenges of life, mixed with humor.
My #OneGoodThing is being able to live in South Florida overlooking the water; work from home office in a T-shirt, leggings, and flip flops!
Highly recommend this talented Atlanta Southern Author and all the books in the series. A perfect beach read. As always love the Florida coastal setting and familiar places. Looking forward to seeing what is coming next for these four ladies!
Ten Beach Road #1
Ocean Beach #2
Christmas at the Beach #2.5
The House on Mermaid Point #3
Sunshine Beach #4
A special thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an early reading copy. (cover love)!
JDCMustReadBooks
A tale of four women trying to rebuild more than their lives. Before you can fix it up, you might have to tear it down…
From friendships, humor, loyalty, and self-discovery — each of the characters is looking for “one good thing” to be thankful for their nightly gathering discussion. However, with everything going on and so many unsettled issues, often they find it hard to think of the good, versus the bad happenings.
This time around, Maddie, Kyra, Avery, and Niki receive a surprise visit from their former investor/sponsor and friend, Bitsy Baynard (Palm Beach matron).
Unfortunately, her husband decides to take all his wealthy wife’s money and makes off with a younger woman, leaving her penniless and homeless. Bitsy is too proud to tell the gals what is going on in her perfect life and shows up looking for a place to stay with her dog.
Bitsy assumes she can have the money back she invested in the project, which of course is still tied up. Her pampered rich lifestyle is no longer and she is forced to move into the small one bedroom Sunshine Hotel cottage, which is quite small since meant to be a vacation cottage, not for year-round living, especially someone like Bitsy.
She had an Ivy League education and has volunteered to coordinate galas and events over the years and she knew how to hire help. However, she has no marketable job skills. At her age, was going to be hard to start over with nothing.
All the characters’ lives are up in the air. They are unsure what is going on with the TV show, and at the same time, they need to sell off the last real estate design project/real estate to pay their debts and not risk losing Bella Flora.
Madeline Singer and William Hightower (age 62) are back. William is on the road with his music career and wants Madeline to come along as they continue their relationship. However, she has her own life even though it is difficult to spend time apart.
However, she worries about him out of the road without her and all the women and his addiction; and having to communicate with his new assistant. They are trying to grab any time they can to be together. (love this couple)
They all had suffered from the Malcolm Dyer’s Ponzi scheme; however, they had become stronger and bonded when they started over with their TV show, Do Over. Rebuilding their lives. However, life has its ups and down.
The ladies had recently renovated the Sunshine Hotel and hoped would be their own version of Do Over. They had quit the network publicly and they were being sued for breach of contract and claiming that the name Do Over does not belong to them.
Kyra has put up the house as collateral to have money for their projects until the cottages sold/and the show they had filmed. Daniel, her celebrity husband gave her the house to live in with her mom and dad and son, Dustin. She has kept this as a secret until things worked out. Plus he wants to turn Dustin into a Hollywood star.
Their only real hope of income was finishing and selling the documentary of their renovation of the midcentury Sunshine Hotel, featuring the reopened investigation into the mysterious death and disappearance that had taken place there. They were all under a lot of pressure, which did not make for a whole lot of creative thinking.
Nikki is pregnant with twins and is miserable with her hormones, weight gain, and the summer heat. Joe (FBI) and Nikki have moved in together in one of the new cottages at the Sunshine Hotel. However, he and his family are pressuring her to get married before the babies are born. After the problems with her brother, she is unsure of her capability of being the perfect wife and mother.
Avery is dealing with her boyfriend, Chase’s teenage son’s drinking problems, and his erratic behavior. Maddie’s ex-husband Steve is still hanging around; however, has his real estate license now, and trying to help sell the cottages.
However, the gals will need to pull together and utilize all their creative skills in order to survive the storms and surprises of life. They each must be strong and be able to always come up with a least One Good Thing!
PS This series reminds me a little of Schitt's Creek which I love, and cannot wait for Season 4! (watched every episode). Both are about having it all, losing it, and starting over in an entirely different direction. Humorous and heartwarming.
Love these ladies. This time around the gals have more challenges than usual and have not moved on to a new exciting project yet, dealing with things left over from the last book.
Even though this installment did not offer the same excitement as the others, I enjoyed it and again found Maddie to be my favorite character. However, also nice to see Bitsy realize her worth when having to do without money. A good example of the resilience of women when faced with challenges of life, mixed with humor.
My #OneGoodThing is being able to live in South Florida overlooking the water; work from home office in a T-shirt, leggings, and flip flops!
Highly recommend this talented Atlanta Southern Author and all the books in the series. A perfect beach read. As always love the Florida coastal setting and familiar places. Looking forward to seeing what is coming next for these four ladies!
Ten Beach Road #1
Ocean Beach #2
Christmas at the Beach #2.5
The House on Mermaid Point #3
Sunshine Beach #4
A special thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an early reading copy. (cover love)!
JDCMustReadBooks
March 24, 2017
Maddie, Avery, Nikki, and Kyra are all reeling from various events in their lives and have returned to their home, Bella Flora, a restored 1920s mansion in Florida, to lick their wounds. Their famous TV show, Do Over is in disarray, embroiled in legal battles with the network, who wants to take away the show and all the hard work they've put into it. They are busy trying to promote the Sunshine Hotel and Beach Club, which they'd renovated in hopes of starting a similar Do Over show or documentary, but the network is saying no. The group hopes that the Beach Club memberships and cottages they are selling will help restore their plummeting finances, but, at the moment, it's not looking good.
In fact, the only cottage sold has been to Joe, Nikki's boyfriend, with the plan that they will move in after the birth of their twins. But Nikki is terrified to plan that far ahead, fearing it will jinx the health of her babies. Meanwhile, Maddie has returned to Bella Flora after a romantic relationship with Will Hightower, a famous musician and rock star. Will wants Maddie to go on tour with him, but Maddie's still trying to find her own self after her divorce from Kyra's father. As for Kyra, she has a secret about Bella Flora she hasn't told any of the women: one that could destroy the last few bits of financial security the group feels. She's also dealing with her feelings toward her young son's (married) father, a famous actor. And finally, Avery feels like her relationship with her boyfriend Chase is crumbling, due to their inability to agree on how to raise his teenage sons. When a former financial backer of the gang, Bitsy, shows up and demands a cottage in return for her financial investment, the women are at a loss: scrambling to find a place for Bitsy and wondering what happened to her wealth. It seems like everyone in the group has something to hide or fear; will their secrets bring them together or tear them apart?
So, full disclosure on this one: most--though not all--of my issues with this novel tend to revolve around the fact that this is apparently the fifth novel in a series for Wax entitled "Ten Beach Road." I had no idea when I requested the book and while I usually prefer to read series in order, it's certainly not an ironclad rule, as most seem to stand on their own. I think I would have definitely enjoyed this book a lot more, however, if I had read some of the previous books, as I found myself somewhat lost for almost the first half of the book. So much that I almost gave up and moved on, because I was just so frustrated. There is a a lot of backstory involved with these women, and while the author attempts to explain a little of it, much of it is simply alluded to, and it gets confusing quickly. There are a lot of people and details to keep track of and truly, by the end of the novel, there were still some ancillary characters that I still had not figured out exactly how/where they factored in. It also didn't help that, and perhaps this was just my ARC copy, the paragraphs would just abruptly switch over to varying points of view, causing you to have to double back and figure out who was now telling the story.
Perhaps because I hadn't read some of the earlier novels, it was harder to get into the characters and really identify with them; seriously, for the first half of the book, I was just trying to figure out who the heck they were and how they were all related/intertwined with each other. I probably related the most with Nikki--being a mother of twins myself--but seriously, her whining could definitely get on your nerves, even if you could identify with some of her fears. Other issues included the fact that the women simply wouldn't Google why Bitsy showed up at their doorstep (seems a bit of a stretch) and a few other places where a simple conversation could have easily resolved what then became a major plot issue. The whole "oh let's just not talk" issue in books is a big pet peeve of mine.
So, for a while, I was pretty frustrated. I had no clue who these people were, nor did I really care. The book was confusing, and the whole money aspect of the plot was stressful (I don't know what it is about my personality, but I get stressed when people stand to lose it all in books, especially when they just don't think clearly about the situation!). Still, I won't lie, as the book wore on and I figured out the basics about the relationships, the characters and the plot grew on me a bit. It helped that there was a Kinsey Millhone reference (main character in Sue Grafton's amazing series). It was sort of like a soap opera; you know it's all really fantastical, yet you can't help but watch. You need to be prepared for famous actors and musicians, allusions to some pretty crazy things that happened in previous novels, and some silly decision-making. But, I couldn't help but keep reading by the time I was about 3/4 through, and I even found myself smiling a bit (shhh, don't tell). I might even consider picking up the next book at some point to find out what happens to some of these characters, because it definitely didn't tie up all the loose ends.
Overall, if you like tidy plots that make sense, or if it bothers you coming into a series midway, this one isn't for you. But if you're looking for a fun, beachy read that can get your mind off things, and you've either read the earlier books in the series, or you can adjust to being confused for a bit, you might enjoy this silly, soapy tale.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 04/25/2017.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Google+
In fact, the only cottage sold has been to Joe, Nikki's boyfriend, with the plan that they will move in after the birth of their twins. But Nikki is terrified to plan that far ahead, fearing it will jinx the health of her babies. Meanwhile, Maddie has returned to Bella Flora after a romantic relationship with Will Hightower, a famous musician and rock star. Will wants Maddie to go on tour with him, but Maddie's still trying to find her own self after her divorce from Kyra's father. As for Kyra, she has a secret about Bella Flora she hasn't told any of the women: one that could destroy the last few bits of financial security the group feels. She's also dealing with her feelings toward her young son's (married) father, a famous actor. And finally, Avery feels like her relationship with her boyfriend Chase is crumbling, due to their inability to agree on how to raise his teenage sons. When a former financial backer of the gang, Bitsy, shows up and demands a cottage in return for her financial investment, the women are at a loss: scrambling to find a place for Bitsy and wondering what happened to her wealth. It seems like everyone in the group has something to hide or fear; will their secrets bring them together or tear them apart?
So, full disclosure on this one: most--though not all--of my issues with this novel tend to revolve around the fact that this is apparently the fifth novel in a series for Wax entitled "Ten Beach Road." I had no idea when I requested the book and while I usually prefer to read series in order, it's certainly not an ironclad rule, as most seem to stand on their own. I think I would have definitely enjoyed this book a lot more, however, if I had read some of the previous books, as I found myself somewhat lost for almost the first half of the book. So much that I almost gave up and moved on, because I was just so frustrated. There is a a lot of backstory involved with these women, and while the author attempts to explain a little of it, much of it is simply alluded to, and it gets confusing quickly. There are a lot of people and details to keep track of and truly, by the end of the novel, there were still some ancillary characters that I still had not figured out exactly how/where they factored in. It also didn't help that, and perhaps this was just my ARC copy, the paragraphs would just abruptly switch over to varying points of view, causing you to have to double back and figure out who was now telling the story.
Perhaps because I hadn't read some of the earlier novels, it was harder to get into the characters and really identify with them; seriously, for the first half of the book, I was just trying to figure out who the heck they were and how they were all related/intertwined with each other. I probably related the most with Nikki--being a mother of twins myself--but seriously, her whining could definitely get on your nerves, even if you could identify with some of her fears. Other issues included the fact that the women simply wouldn't Google why Bitsy showed up at their doorstep (seems a bit of a stretch) and a few other places where a simple conversation could have easily resolved what then became a major plot issue. The whole "oh let's just not talk" issue in books is a big pet peeve of mine.
So, for a while, I was pretty frustrated. I had no clue who these people were, nor did I really care. The book was confusing, and the whole money aspect of the plot was stressful (I don't know what it is about my personality, but I get stressed when people stand to lose it all in books, especially when they just don't think clearly about the situation!). Still, I won't lie, as the book wore on and I figured out the basics about the relationships, the characters and the plot grew on me a bit. It helped that there was a Kinsey Millhone reference (main character in Sue Grafton's amazing series). It was sort of like a soap opera; you know it's all really fantastical, yet you can't help but watch. You need to be prepared for famous actors and musicians, allusions to some pretty crazy things that happened in previous novels, and some silly decision-making. But, I couldn't help but keep reading by the time I was about 3/4 through, and I even found myself smiling a bit (shhh, don't tell). I might even consider picking up the next book at some point to find out what happens to some of these characters, because it definitely didn't tie up all the loose ends.
Overall, if you like tidy plots that make sense, or if it bothers you coming into a series midway, this one isn't for you. But if you're looking for a fun, beachy read that can get your mind off things, and you've either read the earlier books in the series, or you can adjust to being confused for a bit, you might enjoy this silly, soapy tale.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 04/25/2017.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Google+
May 13, 2017
I enjoyed the audiobook version of this novel, Amy Rubinate again did an excellent narration. This was less about the women doing up a place and endeavouring to sell, rather their relationships with the people closest too them. Marriage for one pair, a step back for another, one step forward for another. While there were a few things left hanging I still felt there was closure and I wouldn't need another in the series.
June 10, 2017
Before you can fix it up, you might have to tear it down...
Embroiled in a battle to regain control of their renovation-turned-reality TV show, Do Over, Maddie, Avery, Nikki, and Kyra find themselves holding tight to the frayed ends of their friendship and relationships.
Maddie must face the realities of dating a rock star once again topping the charts and dealing with her hapless ex-husband, while Avery is caught up in family drama even as she attempts to transform a tiny cottage into a home for the newly impoverished heiress who helped bankroll their last renovation. Put on bedrest, a hugely pregnant Nikki can’t quite believe love can last, or trust in her own maternal instinct. And Kyra, who has secretly put Bella Flora at risk in an attempt to salvage Do Over, must decide whether to accept a desperately needed bail out from her son’s famous father that comes with far too many strings attached…
But friendship is made for times like these, to keep each other—and their dreams—from crumbling.
My Thoughts: I have been a fan of this series from the very first book. An assorted cast of characters have remained at the core of these books, including One Good Thing. Supporting characters come and go, but the basic ones who were there from the beginning have kept me coming back for more.
Maddie is my favorite. For me, she is the glue that holds them together. Avery and Nikki each have their unique talents, and Kyra is good with the camera and the production end.
They have their men, although there are issues and conflicts threatening those relationships. Then, for Maddie, her newest man brings out a part of herself that she thought was gone. But he also taps into her insecurities. Not because of anything he does, but because of who he is. A handsome and famous rock star.
Kyra’s former relationship with a celebrity, who fathered her son, is never completely over, since he is in and out of their lives, despite his marriage to his co-star. Kyra sends mixed messages, allowing him to pull her strings, while vacillating between wanting him and rejecting him. I could understand her frustration and the pull she feels for him. But her behavior veers toward selfish and narcissistic, in my opinion, but perhaps she is simply too young and inexperienced to make good choices. She is keeping secrets and putting the others at risk by some of her decisions, which made her hard to like.
No matter how I felt for the characters individually, though, I was rooting for them in their attempts to turn their business and their lives around. I could not stop turning the pages, and while I had my eye trained on what I hoped would happen, there were still some surprises, which made the story another good thing. 5 stars.
Embroiled in a battle to regain control of their renovation-turned-reality TV show, Do Over, Maddie, Avery, Nikki, and Kyra find themselves holding tight to the frayed ends of their friendship and relationships.
Maddie must face the realities of dating a rock star once again topping the charts and dealing with her hapless ex-husband, while Avery is caught up in family drama even as she attempts to transform a tiny cottage into a home for the newly impoverished heiress who helped bankroll their last renovation. Put on bedrest, a hugely pregnant Nikki can’t quite believe love can last, or trust in her own maternal instinct. And Kyra, who has secretly put Bella Flora at risk in an attempt to salvage Do Over, must decide whether to accept a desperately needed bail out from her son’s famous father that comes with far too many strings attached…
But friendship is made for times like these, to keep each other—and their dreams—from crumbling.
My Thoughts: I have been a fan of this series from the very first book. An assorted cast of characters have remained at the core of these books, including One Good Thing. Supporting characters come and go, but the basic ones who were there from the beginning have kept me coming back for more.
Maddie is my favorite. For me, she is the glue that holds them together. Avery and Nikki each have their unique talents, and Kyra is good with the camera and the production end.
They have their men, although there are issues and conflicts threatening those relationships. Then, for Maddie, her newest man brings out a part of herself that she thought was gone. But he also taps into her insecurities. Not because of anything he does, but because of who he is. A handsome and famous rock star.
Kyra’s former relationship with a celebrity, who fathered her son, is never completely over, since he is in and out of their lives, despite his marriage to his co-star. Kyra sends mixed messages, allowing him to pull her strings, while vacillating between wanting him and rejecting him. I could understand her frustration and the pull she feels for him. But her behavior veers toward selfish and narcissistic, in my opinion, but perhaps she is simply too young and inexperienced to make good choices. She is keeping secrets and putting the others at risk by some of her decisions, which made her hard to like.
No matter how I felt for the characters individually, though, I was rooting for them in their attempts to turn their business and their lives around. I could not stop turning the pages, and while I had my eye trained on what I hoped would happen, there were still some surprises, which made the story another good thing. 5 stars.
April 24, 2017
Midlife crisis come in all shapes and sizes.
You know summer is close, when a new Wendy Wax, novel is published! ONE GOOD THING (Berkley) is being called one of summer’s must reads. This time, Maddie, Avery, Nikki and Kyra are at the end of their ropes and holding on tightly to their fraying friendships and relationships. It seems the girls are in a battle to regain control of their renovation-turned-reality show, “Do Over.” And if there’s anyway it’s going to be saved, the girls are going to have to work together. Once again, all the drama unfolds on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches – The Keys.
Maddie has put her mini-van life behind her and is dating “William The Wild,” an aging rock star topping billboard. But that annoying ex of hers, who lost everything, including his job to Malcolm Dyer’s Ponzi scheme, won’t leave the picture. Avery is trying to renovate a tiny cottage for an heiress who bankrolled their last “Do Over” fixer upper. She’s feeling closed off from partner, Chase Hardin won’t let her help when he deals with his difficult 16-year old son, Chase. Nikki, hugely pregnant with twin daughters hardly recognizes herself when she’s put on bed rest. But she has hubby, Special Agent, Joe Giraldi reading “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” and counting the days until he’s a new daddy. Maddie’s daughter Kyra, is single mom to 3-year old Dustin and he’s looking more and more like his famous father. Kyra is secretly behind the possibility of “Do Over,” being done. But there is one option available, so they get the needed money. Her son’s father is willing to cough up the cash, but there are strings attached … a lot of them.
The ONE GOOD THING you can always count on from Wendy Wax is the power of female friendship, drama, laughter and a good read guaranteed to hook you from page one. I suggest a pitcher of margaritas would be the perfect drink to sip, while enjoying Maddie, Avery, Nikki and Kyra’s … adventure!
You know summer is close, when a new Wendy Wax, novel is published! ONE GOOD THING (Berkley) is being called one of summer’s must reads. This time, Maddie, Avery, Nikki and Kyra are at the end of their ropes and holding on tightly to their fraying friendships and relationships. It seems the girls are in a battle to regain control of their renovation-turned-reality show, “Do Over.” And if there’s anyway it’s going to be saved, the girls are going to have to work together. Once again, all the drama unfolds on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches – The Keys.
Maddie has put her mini-van life behind her and is dating “William The Wild,” an aging rock star topping billboard. But that annoying ex of hers, who lost everything, including his job to Malcolm Dyer’s Ponzi scheme, won’t leave the picture. Avery is trying to renovate a tiny cottage for an heiress who bankrolled their last “Do Over” fixer upper. She’s feeling closed off from partner, Chase Hardin won’t let her help when he deals with his difficult 16-year old son, Chase. Nikki, hugely pregnant with twin daughters hardly recognizes herself when she’s put on bed rest. But she has hubby, Special Agent, Joe Giraldi reading “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” and counting the days until he’s a new daddy. Maddie’s daughter Kyra, is single mom to 3-year old Dustin and he’s looking more and more like his famous father. Kyra is secretly behind the possibility of “Do Over,” being done. But there is one option available, so they get the needed money. Her son’s father is willing to cough up the cash, but there are strings attached … a lot of them.
The ONE GOOD THING you can always count on from Wendy Wax is the power of female friendship, drama, laughter and a good read guaranteed to hook you from page one. I suggest a pitcher of margaritas would be the perfect drink to sip, while enjoying Maddie, Avery, Nikki and Kyra’s … adventure!
June 23, 2017
I am knee deep in summer reading and what better book to read at the beginning of summer than something with the word ‘beach’ in the title and a cocktail on the cover?
Ok this one didn’t have ‘beach’ in the title but the series does so I figured close enough!
One Good Thing is the fifth book in the Ten Beach Road series and it did get me in the mood for summer.
So I almost passed on this book for one reason….the cover. Yes it has that ‘summer’ feel to it but for me it just wasn’t eye catching. The other books in the series had much better covers and I just wasn’t a fan of this cover at all. But I really wanted to read something that had a distinct ‘summer’ feel to it to kick off my summer reading so I went ahead and decided to review it even though the cover let much to be desired.
I was hoping that this book would be more of a stand alone even though it was part of a series. The author went through a lot of work to keep the reader up to speed on what happened in the other books. At times I felt like it was overwhelming. On one hand I appreciated the attempt to make the series accessible for new readers but on the other hand, I felt like I was missing so much and all the references to other books was frustrating and distracting. I think that was my biggest issue with the book.
Setting aside my frustration at being ‘lost in the series’, I did like the book. It had a nice mixture of depth and whimsy. I can see why so many people rave about Wax’s books….they are wonderful summer or beach reads because they are easy but yet have some substance. The characters are real with real problems. I personally liked Kyra the best. There were times when I felt like I needed to know more about the characters, something I probably wouldn’t need had I read the other books, but on the whole I found them more or less enjoyable.
I wanted to give this book a 2 star review based on how confused I was by all the different characters however, I just couldn’t do that. The writing style was too good and the feel of the story and it’s characters was much more than a 2 star book. So I settled with 3 stars which I feel like was an appropriate rating based on my experience with the book.
Wax’s writing style is smooth and uncomplicated. It flows beautifully and makes the reader feel like they are relaxing on a beach with a cool breeze coming off the water. I loved her narration style but I just wish I had started the series with the first book so I knew more or less who the characters were and how they were related. If you are thinking about checking this book out, I recommend putting it on hold until you have read the other books first. Other reviews I’ve seen also agree, that starting with the first book is probably for the best and I wholeheartedly agree!
See my full review here
Ok this one didn’t have ‘beach’ in the title but the series does so I figured close enough!
One Good Thing is the fifth book in the Ten Beach Road series and it did get me in the mood for summer.
So I almost passed on this book for one reason….the cover. Yes it has that ‘summer’ feel to it but for me it just wasn’t eye catching. The other books in the series had much better covers and I just wasn’t a fan of this cover at all. But I really wanted to read something that had a distinct ‘summer’ feel to it to kick off my summer reading so I went ahead and decided to review it even though the cover let much to be desired.
I was hoping that this book would be more of a stand alone even though it was part of a series. The author went through a lot of work to keep the reader up to speed on what happened in the other books. At times I felt like it was overwhelming. On one hand I appreciated the attempt to make the series accessible for new readers but on the other hand, I felt like I was missing so much and all the references to other books was frustrating and distracting. I think that was my biggest issue with the book.
Setting aside my frustration at being ‘lost in the series’, I did like the book. It had a nice mixture of depth and whimsy. I can see why so many people rave about Wax’s books….they are wonderful summer or beach reads because they are easy but yet have some substance. The characters are real with real problems. I personally liked Kyra the best. There were times when I felt like I needed to know more about the characters, something I probably wouldn’t need had I read the other books, but on the whole I found them more or less enjoyable.
I wanted to give this book a 2 star review based on how confused I was by all the different characters however, I just couldn’t do that. The writing style was too good and the feel of the story and it’s characters was much more than a 2 star book. So I settled with 3 stars which I feel like was an appropriate rating based on my experience with the book.
Wax’s writing style is smooth and uncomplicated. It flows beautifully and makes the reader feel like they are relaxing on a beach with a cool breeze coming off the water. I loved her narration style but I just wish I had started the series with the first book so I knew more or less who the characters were and how they were related. If you are thinking about checking this book out, I recommend putting it on hold until you have read the other books first. Other reviews I’ve seen also agree, that starting with the first book is probably for the best and I wholeheartedly agree!
See my full review here
April 28, 2017
It has been a while since I have visited with Maddie, Avery, Nikki, and Kyra. It was good to catch up with them again. A lot has happened. Well for me as I stated it has been a while. I am glad to see however that the ladies are getting along and for the most part their lives are good.
If you are first timer to this series, then, you might want to start with the first book in this series. I say this because you will really appreciate the women and their relationships better and therefore, connect with them on a more personal level. Although, you could jump into this book if you wanted. I am one of those readers that does not have to read books in a series in order.
Back to the book. While, I love all of the women, if I had to pick one that I really enjoyed in this book it would be between Maddie and Nikki. It was about the love for me, this go around. Both ladies experienced love in different ways. Besides the characters, the location was nice. This is a quick read. The title of this book may be "One Good Thing" but there were many good things about this book! So treat yourself and pick up a copy today.
If you are first timer to this series, then, you might want to start with the first book in this series. I say this because you will really appreciate the women and their relationships better and therefore, connect with them on a more personal level. Although, you could jump into this book if you wanted. I am one of those readers that does not have to read books in a series in order.
Back to the book. While, I love all of the women, if I had to pick one that I really enjoyed in this book it would be between Maddie and Nikki. It was about the love for me, this go around. Both ladies experienced love in different ways. Besides the characters, the location was nice. This is a quick read. The title of this book may be "One Good Thing" but there were many good things about this book! So treat yourself and pick up a copy today.
March 27, 2017
Wendy Wax is one of my favorite authors and this is such a great series. This is book #5 and it's the best yet. I have to say that the last book in the series left me a little disappointed but this one came back with a bang. The show "Do Over" seems to be at an end so the book focuses more on the four ladies and their relationships. I actually loved the fact that this books steered away from the same story different location. Maybe that's why the last book fell flat. The one fear that I have loving these books as I do is it kind of felt like the end of the series which would make me so very sad. Great beach read, great book championing women and girfl power. Loved it and so will you.
Thank you to Penguin Random House and the firsttoread program for the opportunity!
Thank you to Penguin Random House and the firsttoread program for the opportunity!
June 4, 2017
Was this book a joke or a scam? Come on. Someone please tell me. I always enjoyed the Wendy Wax "Do Over" books but this one was awful! There wasn't even a do over project in the book. Just an apparent push for tiny homes I guess. The book was so redundant! It could have been written by a middle schooler! Even the behaviors of the characters were immature. Apparently the author thinks it's normal to bottle up fears and feelings rather than voice them. This got old real fast. Who does this? Ridiculous! Nikki complains throughout the entire book like she's the first woman to ever give birth to twins. It really became offensive to women in her predicament who might not want to think about themselves as whales and to those unable to get pregnant. Maddie whines about taking care of others instead of following her own desires through most of the book. She made a decision. Live with it! Kyra is just plain nasty throughout the whole book. Her character has no depth at all. Steve mooches off his ex in every way possible and no one thinks anything of it. Troy picks fights with a woman he supposedly cares about instead of tell her. Dustin's baby talk wasn't cute or funny. It was annoying! Also, referencing tv shows is a horrible idea. How does the author know her readers will even know what she is talking about! Two Broke Girls? Seriously? Again, preteen writing! If she repeated the name of the Ponzi scheme one more time in the first few chapters, I think I would have lost it! REDUNDANT and childish! Where was her editor? No more Wendy Wax books for this reader.
March 5, 2017
In Florida, friends Maddie, Nikki, Avery, and Kyra fight a legal battle to get their renovation show back on the air while all are experiencing some type of problem in their personal relationships. Maddie is seeing a rock star who wants her to come with him on tour. Avery is dating a man whose teenage son is acting out. Nikki is pregnant with twins at age 47. Kyra is having trouble making mortgage payments while bringing up her 3 year old son and doesn't want help from his famous actor father. To top it all off, once rich Bitsey show up after her scummy husband ran off with a stripper and all the family money.
The friends are always there for each other throughout the good times and the bad. I liked the tradition of getting together each evening and telling the others one good thing that happened that day. Good beach read.
I received a copy of this book for free from Goodreads.
The friends are always there for each other throughout the good times and the bad. I liked the tradition of getting together each evening and telling the others one good thing that happened that day. Good beach read.
I received a copy of this book for free from Goodreads.
June 30, 2017
in two words: underwritten and lazy. i am so sorry but these series is completely over. uninspired developments (and very very little happens!) and formerly independent sassy main characters ruined by making them whiny and indecisive about everything. Leaving of course the book open to another one though.
PS: is it me or that poor aged rockstar has only one song to sing when he is featured in the book? lol
PS: is it me or that poor aged rockstar has only one song to sing when he is featured in the book? lol
July 3, 2017
These characters are all awful. Except the dog. He has some redeeming qualities.
February 6, 2020
LOVE this series! Love all the characters, storyline. Cried, laughed. Wonderful story. Can’t wait to read book 6.
September 21, 2019
I bought this book because the blurb was interesting. Apparently it’s part of a series and nothing about the people made any sense and there were references to events that made no sense. To top it off, there wasn’t even a plot. Just a bunch of stuff happening and nothing interesting. Dumb book.
May 28, 2018
Ahh, the last book in a really nice series! Quite a few loose ends were tied up and some serious decisions were made. I still do not like Nikki but I enjoyed getting to know her friend Bitsy. I'll miss these women but they are now strong, more sure of themselves, and are heading down quite a few interesting and healthy paths! Good read!!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
February 26, 2017
This would be a good book for a week at the beach. It is as light as a fruity cocktail. There are a lot of characters to keep track of but the relationships are genuine and sweet. If you liked the first four book in this series, you will like this one too.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with a review copy of the novel.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with a review copy of the novel.
April 1, 2020
Wendy, Wendy, Wendy -- you're killing me! Each book in the Beach Road series (which, once upon a time, I thoroughly enjoyed and recommended) has become increasingly formulaic, the characters increasingly bereft of agency and substance and the writing increasing rote (I count three instances of "cupping her buttocks" in this outing) and stodgy, but One Good Thing has quite literally no plot apart from (spoiler alert) someone who is pregnant has a baby. Unlike in previous installments, there's no home renovation, no unsolved mystery to take the reader's mind off the (increasingly) static characters - instead, we have a sand castle contest. Period. And the same tired personal situations with no hope of resolution. Nikie whines about her pregnancy and worries about her hold on the man in her life. Maddie ponders her co-dependent behavior - and worries about her hold on the man in her life. Kyra has money woes -- and worries about the her hold on the (sometime) man in her life. Avery should be trying to build a business -- but worries about the man in her life. A new character enters their orbit - and is upset that she no longer has a (worthless) man in her life. Nothing is developed, there is no story arc, as there is no story. And these allegedly strong, independent women, who in previous outings make efforts to drag themselves out of debt and dependency by virtue of their skill and sweat equity seem to do nothing but sit around eating cheese doodles at sunset. I guess we're supposed to wait for the next installment, but I'm about out of patience. For the love of Mike, give these women something better to do with their time.
April 25, 2017
One Good Thing was quite the mix of issues, emotions, and (eventually) solutions for our four main characters: Maddie, Avery, Nikki, and Kyra. With a HFN ending, friendship and tenacity was what ultimately paved the way, along with some good old perseverance.
I’ve been meaning to start this series for some time now after hearing all the buzz about it online. And I can see why readers are drawn to these books. Wendy Wax has a lovely writing voice–one that is easy to read but is certainly not lacking in depth of emotion. I think what I enjoyed most, though, aside from the beautiful background descriptions of the Florida Gulf Coast, was Wax’s character building.
Full Review on HarlequinJunkie Blog:
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I’ve been meaning to start this series for some time now after hearing all the buzz about it online. And I can see why readers are drawn to these books. Wendy Wax has a lovely writing voice–one that is easy to read but is certainly not lacking in depth of emotion. I think what I enjoyed most, though, aside from the beautiful background descriptions of the Florida Gulf Coast, was Wax’s character building.
Full Review on HarlequinJunkie Blog:
Read More
June 21, 2017
This was a kettle of rotten fish. ALL the women, except for Bitsy were unlikable to the point of sometimes disgust. The men were spineless, the kid unrealistically annoying and the aging rock star and actor/villain completely ridiculous. The plot carrying the story arc is tasteless. Probably the worst ensemble cast ever assembled. UGH!
May 28, 2017
It would be very difficult to find one good thing about this book
December 9, 2020
This is like a soap opera! So much drama. I love Maddie. She has officially become my favorite. Avery wears me out and Nikki almost did too in this book. Loving Bitsy so far.
January 18, 2018
I’ve enjoyed this series so much but this one was a little more of a struggle to get thru. The 3 year old baby y’all drove me insane. All the adults seemed to do their fair share of whining as well.
May 25, 2017
I have liked all of Wendy’s books and this one doesn’t disappoint me either. She tells a story in such a way that makes you love the characters and wish you were a part of the crowd. The TEN BEACH ROAD series is so so good I don’t ever want it to end. The words flow, the setting is beautiful, and the daily lives of those involved is familiar. These women don’t just sit back and take everything! Love their wit.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2017
I received an advance reading copy of this book, which is the 5th in a series. I hadn't read the first 4 and had never read anything by this author. The book had many characters and since I was new to the series I didn't know the back stories of the characters. The story took me a while to get into but once I did, I liked it. I recommend this book for those looking for a fast easy read, but would also recommend starting with the first book in the series.
March 10, 2017
I received a free ARC of this book through Random First to Read.
I didn't realize this was part of a series when I started reading it, but I could tell that I needed more information on the characters. Once I looked it up and realized it was #5 of a series, it made more sense, but I hate to read books out of order.
Other than that, it was an okay book. It jumped to one POV to another pretty quickly, which was a little confusing sometimes since it wasn't always clearly marked in the e-reader edition I had.
Everything wraps up neatly so I'd consider it classic angst with fairy tale ending.
I didn't realize this was part of a series when I started reading it, but I could tell that I needed more information on the characters. Once I looked it up and realized it was #5 of a series, it made more sense, but I hate to read books out of order.
Other than that, it was an okay book. It jumped to one POV to another pretty quickly, which was a little confusing sometimes since it wasn't always clearly marked in the e-reader edition I had.
Everything wraps up neatly so I'd consider it classic angst with fairy tale ending.
March 19, 2017
My Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
I had to keep reminding myself of Nikki’s age. Granted, a forty-seven year old woman pregnant with twins would be uncomfortable but her incessant whining had me putting down this book on more than one occasion. I do not know what Wendy Wax was thinking with this, there must have been some other way of bringing this couple back together.
The women continue to be at their wits end. The legal wrangling over the ownership of ‘Do Over’ is not going in their favor and the selling of the condos or memberships at the beach club are not moving fast enough to pay off the loans leaving Bella Flora and Kyra with looming debt and no way, other than using her son’s father and his business proposal, to bail them out.
Maddie is continuing to questioning her relationship with music icon William Hightower and her ex-husband Steve is still lurking in the background. Yet, there is a spark that he just might be getting his life back in order.
Unfortunately, what started the book, Palm Beach matron Bitsy Baynard’s husband leaving her broke when he skipped out with a younger woman, was left to flounder. This could have been an excellent storyline, maybe even one that involved Maddie’s ex-husband Steve riding in to the rescue, but it was just left as empty as the rest of the book. Maybe this will be drug out further in subsequent books since she did finally find an attorney to take her case.
Then there is Avery, trying her best to keep the women afloat but her personal life is what brings her down. She and Chase are definitely on the outs with Chase’s son rebelling at every turn. Not sure how they will address their relationship in the next book, but it looks as if they are currently parked in the overused land of ‘maybe, but let me find myself first’.
Like all of the storylines, this book came across as a placeholder. Very little forward momentum with any of the characters or their stories. Babies were born. Relationships redefined. Overall – nothing here to look at folks.
I had to keep reminding myself of Nikki’s age. Granted, a forty-seven year old woman pregnant with twins would be uncomfortable but her incessant whining had me putting down this book on more than one occasion. I do not know what Wendy Wax was thinking with this, there must have been some other way of bringing this couple back together.
The women continue to be at their wits end. The legal wrangling over the ownership of ‘Do Over’ is not going in their favor and the selling of the condos or memberships at the beach club are not moving fast enough to pay off the loans leaving Bella Flora and Kyra with looming debt and no way, other than using her son’s father and his business proposal, to bail them out.
Maddie is continuing to questioning her relationship with music icon William Hightower and her ex-husband Steve is still lurking in the background. Yet, there is a spark that he just might be getting his life back in order.
Unfortunately, what started the book, Palm Beach matron Bitsy Baynard’s husband leaving her broke when he skipped out with a younger woman, was left to flounder. This could have been an excellent storyline, maybe even one that involved Maddie’s ex-husband Steve riding in to the rescue, but it was just left as empty as the rest of the book. Maybe this will be drug out further in subsequent books since she did finally find an attorney to take her case.
Then there is Avery, trying her best to keep the women afloat but her personal life is what brings her down. She and Chase are definitely on the outs with Chase’s son rebelling at every turn. Not sure how they will address their relationship in the next book, but it looks as if they are currently parked in the overused land of ‘maybe, but let me find myself first’.
Like all of the storylines, this book came across as a placeholder. Very little forward momentum with any of the characters or their stories. Babies were born. Relationships redefined. Overall – nothing here to look at folks.
February 9, 2017
Thank you Wendy Wax and Penguin Group (USA) Inc. This is the first Wendy Wax book I have read. I had a difficult time keeping all the characters and their relationships to each other straight. When I entered to win an advance reading copy, I did not know if this book was part of a series or not. So you may want to ignore my 2-star rating on One Good Thing by Wendy Wax. Finished reading on January 31, 2017.
May 4, 2017
One Good Thing is the latest book in Wendy Wax’s Ten Beach Road series. The four women – Maddie, Avery, Nikki, and Kyra – are at a crossroads with their Do Over home refurb tv show. They are trapped in a horrible contract with the tv network that took their show and turned it into an embarrassing reality show. They want to find a way out of the contract and maintain control of the show. The odds don’t look good.
Individually each woman is facing life-altering change. They will rely on one another to help get through the challenges. I’ve enjoyed this series so much because it features women of all ages and experience in a realistic and positive way. The Florida setting is so inviting and I love the home refurb storylines. I like the parallel of the women’s lives being improved while they renovate homes.
There were a few unresolved storylines at the conclusion of One Good Thing so I’m hopeful the series will continue. I suppose this novel could stand alone but so much context will be gained if you read from the beginning. *I received a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
Individually each woman is facing life-altering change. They will rely on one another to help get through the challenges. I’ve enjoyed this series so much because it features women of all ages and experience in a realistic and positive way. The Florida setting is so inviting and I love the home refurb storylines. I like the parallel of the women’s lives being improved while they renovate homes.
There were a few unresolved storylines at the conclusion of One Good Thing so I’m hopeful the series will continue. I suppose this novel could stand alone but so much context will be gained if you read from the beginning. *I received a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
February 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and the author's way of telling the story. After getting acquainted with the characters and their personalities it was a nice enjoyable read. You can easily get into the drama of all of the girls involved and want everything to go well with their business venture and also their personal lives. I now wish I would of waited to read it while on vacation next week because it has that sort of relaxing vibe to it. I have never read any of Wendy Wax's books before but now will look for more.
January 8, 2017
A perfect beach read with a smooth style of writing. I wanted to eat crab legs and drink adult beverages while reading this book.
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